day 28, auction 1, hermioneregulus
316 words
There's a sinking feeling in Hermione's chest that tells her that she knows who R.A.B. is. Harry and Ron are frantic about it, and obviously she would like to know the truth also, but she'll only know if she can see the piece of paper with his handwriting on it and Hermione doesn't want to ask Harry to see it. She's not sure if she's ready for that.
Because, on the left side of her ribcage, just below her chest, the initials R.A.B. are written, in loopy handwriting.
Which means — well, Hermione doesn't want to say that it's for sure that it means that, because it scared her, for some reason, but it's probably true — that Hermione's soulmate is the same person who stole the locket from Voldemort.
Everyone knows about soulmates — how you're born with your soulmate's initials written on you in their handwriting. Hermione could easily find out if they're the same person, just by comparing the signature on the note to the signature on her torso.
It's not like it even matters, honestly.
It's reassuring to know that her soulmate is on the right side of the war — especially in a time when the other side wants to prosecute her. Other than that, it's not like Hermione knows who her soulmate is. It's not like she knows who has H.J.G. written on them. It doesn't get them any closer to finding the locket, knowing her soulmate has it.
…
Later, when she's listening to Kreacher tell them about Regulus, there's a sinking feeling deep in Hermione's chest. It's ridiculous, because she's never met Regulus, she shouldn't care about it. It's terrible what happened to him, but Hermione (as much as it's terrible to admit) has gotten used to the things Voldemort has done.
Still, it hurts her, right on the left side of her ribcage, just below her chest.